Material Science Program

Requirements For The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degree

A. Plan of Work

Before completion of one year of full-time residence, the student must have selected
a research advisor who agrees to serve in that capacity. The student will then prepare
a plan of further coursework. This must receive the approval of the student’s advisor
and of the Graduate Program Committee.

The 24 course credits must include the following three core courses: ESM 511 Thermodynamics of Solids; ESM 513 Strength of Materials; and ESM 521 Diffusion
in Solids. If the student does not receive a minimum of a B in a core course, he or
she may repeat that course one other time.

All students must complete ESM 501 Teaching and Mentoring Techniques.

The student must pass at least three credits of ESM 698 Practicum in Teaching and six credits of ESM 699 Dissertation Research on Campus.

Only six credits of ESM 696 Special Problems in Materials Science are allowed.

All courses taken outside the Department require permission from the Graduate Program
Director.

All PhD students must register for ESM 800 during the summer for 0 credits.

All PhD students must act as teaching assistants for five semesters (regardless of support), and they must register for ESM 698 Practicum in Teaching
-0 credits and 3 credits

C. Preliminary ExaminationThe preliminary examination must be taken before the beginning of the student’s fifth semester. Your course work should be completed totaling of 24 credits. This is an oral examination
designed to test the student’s ability to utilize his or her materials science background
to carry out research in a chosen field of study, and to make clear written and oral
presentations of research. At least ten days prior to the examination, the candidate should submit a research proposal (10-15
pages) to the examiners that places the research in context and outlines a scenario
for its completion.

The examination committee will consist of three Department of Materials Science and Engineering faculty members. If a second examination
is required, it must be completed by the tenth week of the fifth semester.

D. Advancement to CandidacyAfter the student has successfully completed all requirements for the degree, other
than the dissertation, he or she is eligible to be recommended for advancement to
candidacy. This status is conferred by the Dean of the Graduate School upon recommendation
of the Chairperson and the Graduate Program Director.

E. DissertationThe most important requirement of the Ph.D. degree is the completion of a dissertation,
which must be an original scholarly investigation. The dissertation shall represent
a significant contribution to the scientific literature, and its quality shall be
compatible with the publication standards of appropriate and reputable scholarly journals.
At least two semesters should elapse between the preliminary exam and submission of
the dissertation.

F. DefenseThe candidate shall defend the dissertation before an examining committee consisting
of four members, including the research advisor, two members of the Materials Science
and Engineering Department, and one member from outside the Department. The following
forms must be submitted to your